Investing in Whangārei: Latest Round of ‘We Can Help With That’ Community Funding Closes

At Ray White Whangārei & Tutukaka, we believe that a strong, successful business is built on the foundation of a thriving community. That is why we are thrilled to announce that the latest round of our We Can Help With That community fund has officially closed, with a diverse group of local legends set to receive the support they need to make a difference right here in the Whangārei District.

Unlike large-scale national foundations, We Can Help With That is a locally-driven initiative. It was born from our desire to move beyond traditional real estate operations and invest directly in the people, participation, and places that make our district unique. From grassroots sports to cultural celebrations, this round’s recipients truly embody the spirit of Whangārei.

Backing the Heart of Whangārei: Meet Our Newest Recipients

This round, our funding is reaching into every corner of our community. We are incredibly proud to back these outstanding initiatives for 2026 – Funding Round 3:

• Ngunguru Pumpkin Festival: Equipping volunteer organizers with Giant Atlantic pumpkin seeds, marketing support, and merchandise to ensure this vibrant, koha-based community harvest celebration continues to flourish on the Tutukaka Coast.
• Northland Down Syndrome Support Group: Helping cover venue hire, festive decorations, and engaging activities for their annual Christmas gathering at Heritage Park, ensuring over 100 local individuals and their families can connect and celebrate in a supportive environment.
• NSC Ngunguru Basketball Half Court Project: Contributing to the foundational base preparation and concrete construction of a fully accessible basketball half-court, providing an inclusive and enduring recreational space for our local youth.
• Isabelle Ajani (Junior Roller Derby): Providing competition-quality roller derby boots for this 13-year-old Whangārei athlete as she represents New Zealand at the Junior World Cup in Scotland and inspires local youth to get active.
• TeAaliyah Cornell (Japan Study Tour): Bridging the final fundraising gap for this dedicated Whangārei Girls’ High School student to attend a life-changing, four-week educational study tour in Japan, empowering the next generation of local leaders.
• Traditional Tales Troupe Whangārei: Covering the essential costs of the welcoming Pōwhiri ceremony and light refreshments for their international culinary heritage event at Terenga Paraoa Marae, celebrating cultural diversity and local food resilience.
• Whangarei Academy of Gymnastics (WAGS): Helping reduce financial hurdles for 28 dedicated local athletes heading to the National Gymnastics Championships, ensuring that hard work and ability—rather than affordability—dictate who gets to compete.

Why a Local Fund Makes a World of Difference

In a district like ours, local knowledge matters. While other agencies may offer community support through nationwide corporate structures, Ray White Whangārei remains independent and focused solely on our own backyard. Our We Can Help With That program allows us to be agile, responding to the practical needs of Whangārei families and organizations in real-time.

Our vision is simple: we want to foster thriving families, resilient communities, and sustainable environments. By removing the financial barriers that prevent participation, we are playing our part in forging a more connected and equitable district.

What’s Next? Join the Movement

The doors to this round may have closed, but our commitment to Whangārei never stops. We are already looking forward to the next round of applications. If you are part of a local charity, sports club, or community group that has a project in need of a boost, we want to hear from you.

Click below for more information on our funding to help you prepare for the next round of applications.

> We Can Help With That
> We Can Help With That Funding Recipients

Together, we’re proving that when the community comes first, everyone wins. We Can Help With That.